Esalen is a noun and a verb, a seat of energy, an exhilarating adventure, a wellspring for the mainstream. It is a place of pilgrimage, grounded in a wildly alive environment — the spectacular, unparalleled, convergence of mountains and water that is the Big Sur coastline.
Discover moreOne of the fundamentals of the agricultural practice at Esalen is the way in which we incorporate the lineage of human relational and individual process work that has been core to Esalen since its inception. Each of us has the opportunity to show up as our whole self, by choosing to share the physical, emotional, and spiritual feelings and sensations that are present for us.
On the farmAccommodations at Esalen are almost always shared. Couples will be housed privately. A variety of accommodation options is possible with workshop registration. Since some of these fill more quickly than others, we recommend signing up as soon as possible.
See the roomsThe kitchen serves delicious, healthy meals to 250 to 350 people per day. This includes everyone at Esalen, from workshop participants and teachers to Esalen board members, staff and workscholars. The kitchen team crafts each meal with mindfulness and care, featuring fresh produce and herbs from the Esalen farm and garden.
Sit and eatThe Art Barn was the residence for many well-known artists over the years as well as being the scene of everything from births to suicides. The Barn’s history as an Art Center began in 1986 or 1987 under the direction of Gary Politzer, an artist from Oakland.
Learn moreCommunity is at the heart of Esalen, and woven into everything we do and how we do it. The folks you see working on property are far more than mere employees, but heart-centered practitioners living and serving as part of our community. We call that "seekers serving seekers." As a visitor you can feel the difference.
Join us
Adjoining the lodge at the heart of property, the 600-square-foot Esalen Bookstore is a cozy book nook with benefits. It’s just the place to find the perfect book, gift, snack, or soundtrack to accompany your journey of self-discovery.
Go shoppingGazebo Park School is a one-acre natural wonderland where children up to six years old engage their bodies and minds while having a fantastic time in the process. It is open to children of Esalen workshop participants, leaders, other Esalen guests, and local Big Sur residents.
Free to grow
Accommodations at Esalen are almost always shared. Couples will be housed privately. A variety of accommodation options is possible with workshop registration. Since some of these fill more quickly than others, it is advisable to sign up as early as possible. Please indicate your second choice for accommodations and workshop in case your initial choice is unavailable. We cannot guarantee specific room requests.
Esalen’s cliff-side hot springs have been in ritual and healing use by the Esselen Indians and others for more than 6,000 years.
In the 1870s, Thomas Slate visited the Big Sur site to use the hot springs, because he suffered from severe arthritis. He homesteaded the property in the early 1880s, and a settlement began, known as Slates Hot Springs. This site became the first tourist-oriented business in Big Sur, frequented by others who sought relief from similar afflictions. Learn more about the Hot Springs